Perriello, Pundits and the Public: Meet-and-Greet in Nelson County

It may be that some pundits have been skeptical concerning Tom Perriello’s bid to become the 2017 Virginia Democratic nominee for governor. But, if Perriello’s reception in Nelson County this Friday is any measure of his popular support, those pundits need to revisit their skepticism.

Organizers of the Friday morning meet-and-greet at the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Afton had less than two days notice to make the event happen for the Perriello campaign. They prepared for 40 attendees and some informal time with the candidate. Instead, more than 85 interested Nelsonians showed up. Some came to thank Perriello for his opposition to the proposed Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines.

But it wasn’t a one-issue meeting. Perriello also fielded questions about gun control, women’s reproductive rights, criminal justice, opioid regulation and gerrymandering. Following the hour-long question-and-answer exchange, Perriello mingled with those gathered, before heading to Charlottesville for the Rock and Rally fundraiser at the Jefferson Theatre, an event which drew over 500 supporters.

Perriello reminded those gathered that the Democratic primary will be held on June 13, 2017 and that the gubernatorial contest will be settled on November 7, 2017. Judging from the response at the Nelson County meeting, Perriello is the candidate to watch.